Preakness - Recap

The dust has settled and things are slowly getting back to normal at Old Hilltop - better known as PIM racecourse. Of course, there is still a 'buzz' around here - that performance by North Of The Border was quite a thing to watch - add in the fact that he was sent off at 31-1 - you know how money makes the world-go-round... Looking back at the results of the KY Derby (GI) and now the Preakness (GI), we can all expect a serious throw-down in three weeks when the final leg of the TC Series is contested in Elmont, NY. 3yo's going a mile and a half is always an interesting proposition, but this years crop makes things exponentially more a thrill.

Now, a recap of The Preakness -

Early - I was not shocked that Misterkatesmith went to the front - almost in a "rabbit" role, similar to the KY Derby, where he did press the pace. Today, it was all about MAKING the pace, although I do not think it made alot of difference in the out-come. Calia Stable did respond that "...Misterkatesmith will not run in the Belmont...", so it appears that his days as a "set-up man" are done. The only surprise to me, as for the start of the race, was that Date With Destiny was not more forwardly placed - after his win at GP, when closer to the pace, I expected a similar try. Instead, he was taken back and was not a factor.

Clubhouse Turn - Boy - did this have alot to say about the race? Wild Bill and Lord Of The Mountain were practically in the hospital parking lot when they went through the turn - they were pretty much eliminated by the position. Conversely, Echo Wave was able to get over a bit, staying in the three-path, and this did help his chances. The key to me was how North Of The Border was able to find a nice little seam, while Hidden Scriptures, Tough Test, and Stiletto Choice were in tight - Tough Test seemed to get the worst of the position in that exchange.

Backside - so, we start the run down the backside and the trip is spelling the race. Misterkatesmith has set honest fractions of :24 and 48.2 - nothing to go crazy over, but a legit pace, and Generalmajor is helping to keep that going. Again, Half Spirit has had a perfect rail trip, and is right where he wants to be. The odd part is how North Of The Border swings out to the five-path to begin his trek - also, notice that Hidden Scriptures is to his outside, as well.

Far Turn - almost like a baton being handed off in a relay-race, Misterkatesmith and stable-mate North Of The Border are now going in opposite directions - and the lead will never be relinquished. Every foot of real estate that Wild Bill gained in the run down the backside is given back in another wide turn. Half Spirit is still hugging the rail and has a clear shot.

Stretch Run - so, we have 3/16th's to run, the mile has gone in 1:37.2 (4/5's slower than the Derby) and North Of The Border now has a two length advantage, running in the three lane - seems to be right where he wants to be. Behind him, it's a five horse battle to the wire - from the rail out - Half Spirit on the rail, Generalmajor, a tiring Misterkatesmith, Echo Wave - who split foes and is coming in a rush, and Hidden Scriptures - who has had the worst trip of the bunch.

Final 150-yards - as we get inside the final 1/8th, North Of The Border is showing no signs of weakening, and it is certainly his race. Echo Wave has come from far back, split horses, and rallies for second. Hidden Scriptures has had a time of it, and still is able to hang on for third, with Half Spirit having a perfect rail trip, no traffic, no excuses and finishing fourth. Generalmajor ran a very solid race, but I'm not sure that the distance fits, and he is fifth.

When I first looked at the race, I thought there may have been a bit of a rail bias - looking back, I don't believe that anymore. It seemed to be a fairly even race surface - perhaps even a bit on the quick side. The MD Sprint Handicap, run earlier in the day went 6f in 1:08.3 - and it was won by the one horse - case closed.

So, now it's on to Elmont, NY and the BEL Stakes (GI) going a mile and a half. At the time of this article, I am getting alot of "...no comment..." on both the race and the intent for that first Sat. in June - which is understandable, for sure. I would certainly expect North Of The Border to be there, along with Half Spirit, Hidden Scriptures and perhaps Wild Bill. With that being said, I feel like I may be repeating myself... perhaps to the point that the carnations may be headed to an "Echo Wave"?? The gods can only be tough on a horse for so long...

...and with that the same can be said for the coverage of the 2008 PRK Stakes from PIM and Baltimore - SO LONG!!

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